There is a social phenomenon that is developing and catching people by surprise, and that is the significant increase in divorces among couples who are 50 or older. This raises sociological and societal questions surrounding the baby boom generation. Since the baby boomers, the divorce rate has doubled since the 1990s. This generates interest in family lawyers that may be surprising to newer generations and Millenials. Perhaps there is a stronger bridge between the baby boom and Millenial generation than many people had previously believed.

In 201, up to 10 out of every 1,000 people over the age of 50 are divorced according to the Pew Research Center. Though these rates are lower than younger generations, the increase in the number of divorces is piquing the interest of Houston family law attorneys like this firm, and other experts. Divorce lawyers claim that older couples are seeking divorces related to reasons earlier in life: lack of mutual interests, loss of deep connection or “growing apart.” We are now in a modern world that views marriage differently than it did 50 years ago. Baby boomers may be realizing that they want to explore their interests and choosing to go solo to check items off of their bucket lists. Something that complicates the legal nuances of “gray divorces” is chief on financial considerations. This presents the conflict for spouses who are near retirement. Couples who divorce earlier have time to recover financially. Even if a spouse did not have a career in their marriage, a decision to divorce in their 30s or 40s still allows the spouse to acquire the skills to build a career for a life of their own. When divorce occurs in the 50s, spouses are often living on fixed incomes provided through Social Security or retirement benefits. The presumption is that these marriage benefits include shared revenue and security. The challenge for lawyers is to decide how each spouse will adjust their lifestyle to pursue their interests.

Certified family law specialists often approach families by determining the plan they had when they chose to be married. Then he looks at financial considerations such as retirement so he can best advise the client on the best options for their financial future. These may result in difficult conversations and recommendations, such as selling a large family home no longer needed for a single adult.

This may be difficult for mothers who don’t want to let go of a home where they raised their children. Adult children may complicate the process by feeling entitled to having a say in the divorce process and having the home for their own future family. It is important for a spouse to fully consider their option and decision for divorce if they no longer want their ex to be listed in their wills or documents. While the transition may be difficult, I believe it is imperative for each person to pursue their happiness and rediscover their true path, whether that means staying with the partner they married originally or moving on, even later in life when others choose to stay for convenience or other reasons.